Heterodyne receiver is an electronic circuit that is used in radio communication to shift the frequency of a received signal by mixing it with another signal of a different frequency. The spelling of the word is derived from the Greek words 'heteros' meaning 'different' and 'dynein' meaning 'to power or force', hence 'heterodyne'. The pronunciation is /ˈhɛtərədaɪn/ with the first syllable sounding like 'hetero' and the last syllable rhyme with 'dine'.
A heterodyne receiver is a type of electronic device used in radio communication systems to demodulate and recover an incoming signal. It is designed to convert a high-frequency signal into a lower intermediate frequency (IF) for easier processing and decoding.
The heterodyne receiver works by mixing or beating the incoming signal with a local oscillator signal operating at a slightly different frequency. This process produces a resultant signal known as the intermediate frequency. By selecting the frequency difference between the incoming signal and the local oscillator, the receiver can efficiently extract the desired information carried by the incoming signal.
The intermediate frequency signal is then passed through a series of amplifiers, filters, and detectors to extract the original audio or video information from the modulated carrier wave. The advantages of using a heterodyne receiver include improved selectivity and sensitivity, reduced interference and noise, and better signal quality.
Heterodyne receivers are commonly used in various communication systems, including AM (amplitude modulation), FM (frequency modulation), and SSB (single sideband) radios. They are also employed in radar systems, television receivers, and other wireless communication applications.
Overall, the heterodyne receiver is an essential component in modern radio communication systems, enabling efficient and accurate demodulation of high-frequency signals for practical use.
The word "heterodyne" derives from the Greek words "heteros" meaning "different" and "dunamis" meaning "power" or "force". The term was coined in the field of telecommunications to describe a method of combining or mixing two radio frequencies to produce a lower, audible frequency known as the intermediate frequency (IF).
The process of heterodyning involves generating a beat frequency by mixing two different frequencies together. This technique is employed in a heterodyne receiver to convert radio signals to a more convenient intermediate frequency for amplification and demodulation. The term "heterodyne receiver" likely emerged in the early 20th century when this technology was being developed and popularized.